Nationals MP and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson secured the portfolio for water alongside the portfolios of lands, hospitality and racing.

Member for Oxley, Mrs Pavey said whilst she was disappointed by the outcome of the reshuffle she respected the decision made.

In a statement to Deputy Premier Paul Toole she pledged to contest the next election and continue her streak as the 'longest serving Nationals MP in current state politics nationwide.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) CEO Brett Jones acknowledged Mrs Pavey on her time as Minister for Water and for her work alongside MI.

"I congratulate the new Water Minister, Kevin Anderson, on his appointment and look forward to now working with him," Mr Jones said.

"Water is crucial to the future of the MIA and the value of supporting regional development with strong investment and good policy is clear in our community."

The National Irrigators' Council (NIC) shared in their congratulations of Minister Anderson in the role and acknowledgement of the time and service of Minister Pavey.

According to NIC CEO Isaac Jeffrey, there were a number of urgent and important water matters to be addressed by Minister Anderson, including the Better Bidgee and Baaka projects which replace the Menindee and Yanco Creek Sustainable. Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) projects.

"NIC encourages the incoming Minister to assess these 'rescoped projects' and, for transparency reasons, provide details to the public as soon as possible. They will include a mix of infrastructure investments to improve fish passage, better supply for town water and increased reliable waterways flows," Mr Jeffrey said.

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"We would also welcome the Minister reaffirming the Federal Government's 2020 commitment of ruling out buybacks to not put further pressure on irrigated agriculture communities.

"NIC also highlights the importance of ensuring that all water use is brought under the Basin Plan limits and that it is properly measured and monitored while not undermining the practical need for farmers to get on with growing our food and fibre."

Longtime critic, Member for Murray Helen Dalton said 'it was clear Melinda Pavey wasn't handling her job well'.

"We put her under a lot of pressure in Parliament, she couldn't answer basic questions about the sale of NSW water to the Chinese Government and why our farmers were on such low allocation for so long," Mrs Dalton said.

"I think the Premier would have noticed that."

Mrs Dalton said the combined portfolios of Lands, Water, Hospitality and Racing made for an 'interesting mix' for incumbent Minister Anderson.

"We really have turned our water market into a Casino - so lumping water together with hospitality and racing seems oddly appropriate," Mrs Dalton said.

"I'll be inviting him to Griffith and Leeton, I hope he takes the chance to meet our farmers and learn about water in the Southern Basin.

"If he listens to farmers and communities, we could achieve a lot in this space. But time will tell."

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